8 Parent-Approved Halloween Ideas

Remember how much fun you had as a child, trick-or-treating each Halloween? Perhaps now you’re the parent taking your child out for their first trip and wondering what to expect. While keeping their diet balanced on a sweet holiday can be a challenge, here’s 8 parent-approved ideas to make the most of this year’s festivities:

Clementine Pumpkins: clementines + green pepper
These pumpkins are a great way to get kids excited about the fruit and vegetables in their lunch. Peel clementines and wash and cut green pepper into 2-inch-long sticks. Place one pepper stick into the center of each clementine and stow finished pumpkin in a lunchbox for a little lunchtime surprise.

Apple Mouths: apple + peanut butter + sliced almonds
Apple mouths are not only frighteningly real-looking, but also shockingly tasty! Serve these as an afterschool snack and you’ll have kids shrieking with delight. Wash and cut one apple into ½-inch slices. Slather 1-2 teaspoons of peanut butter on one side of each apple slice and sandwich two slices together to form a mouth. For the teeth, cut sliced almonds in half and carefully press each “tooth” into the peanut butter-filled mouth.

Banana Ghosts: banana + mini chocolate chips + dried cranberries
Banana ghosts are so simple to make that kids will love creating their own. Peel and cut a small banana in half. Push the pointed end of two mini chocolate chips into each banana half to make the eyes, and press one piece of dried cranberry below to create a mouth. Serve as a hauntingly fun after-dinner treat.

Trick-or-Treat Tips:
Trick-or-treating is, of course, the highlight of a kid’s Halloween. Here are four simple tips for a smart trick-or-treating experience this year:

Eat Before. Have kids eat a nutritious dinner before they go out trick-or-treating. With full stomachs, kids will be less likely to snack on their treats as they travel from house to house.

Down-Size the Bucket: Choosing a smaller trick-or-treat bucket will control the amount your kids can collect. Always opt for a reasonably-portioned bucket, rather than a hold-all pillowcase.

Walk it Off: Leave the car at home and choose to walk to your trick-or-treating destinations. Walking not only provides exercise, it’s a great way to get to know your neighbors.

Offer Non-Treats: Halloween treats don’t have to be food-items. Choose an assortment of prize items to hand out. Pencils, crayons, stickers, bouncy balls, and temporary tattoos are all fun options for kids.

Bring along Honest Kids Pouches: All that walking (and snacking) is bound to make the whole family thirsty! Bring along a carton of your favorite Honest Kids to share with friends and neighbors!